How to Measure Clothes for Size Charts
Master professional garment measurement techniques to create accurate, reliable size charts.
Before You Start
You'll need:
- Flexible measuring tape (fabric or tailor's tape)
- Flat surface (table or clean floor)
- Garment samples in each size
- Recording sheet or spreadsheet
💡 Pro Tips
- • Measure 3 garments of each size and average the results
- • Don't stretch the fabric while measuring
- • Smooth out wrinkles but maintain natural drape
- • Keep button-up shirts buttoned, zippers closed
Measuring T-Shirts & Tops
A. Chest Width
Measure across the chest from side seam to side seam, 1 inch below the armhole. This is where the chest is widest.
B. Body Length
From the HPS (Highest Point of Shoulder) straight down to the hem. HPS is where the shoulder seam meets the neck seam.
C. Shoulder Width
From shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the back of the garment.
D. Sleeve Length
From the shoulder seam to the cuff. For long sleeves, measure along the outer edge.
Measuring Pants & Jeans
A. Waist Width
Measure across the top of the waistband from side to side. Multiply by 2 for circumference.
B. Hip Width
Measure across the widest part of the hip area, typically 7-9 inches below the waist.
C. Inseam
From the crotch seam to the bottom hem along the inner leg.
D. Outseam (Total Length)
From the top of waistband to bottom hem along the outer side.
Measuring Dresses
Key Measurements
- Bust: Across the fullest part of the bust
- Waist: At the narrowest point (natural waist)
- Hip: At the widest point of the hip area
- Total Length: From HPS to hem
Recording Your Measurements
Create a table like this for each product:
| Measurement (cm) | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Width | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 |
| Body Length | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 |
| Shoulder Width | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 |
| Sleeve Length | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
* All measurements in centimeters (±1 cm tolerance)
FAQ
What is flat measurement vs body measurement?
Flat measurement measures the actual garment laid flat. Body measurement measures the human body. For size charts, garment/flat measurements are more accurate because they show exactly what the customer will receive.
Should I double the flat measurement for circumference?
Yes. When measuring a garment flat (side to side), you're measuring half the circumference. Multiply by 2 to get the full circumference. For example, if chest measures 20 inches flat, the full chest circumference is 40 inches.
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